At Westlake (Calif.) High School, Spruce returned 23 punts for 462 yards (20.1 yards per return) and two touchdowns.

“There’s a lot of plays to be made on special teams, especially as a returner,” he said. “I’m excited for the opportunity.”

Notes. MacIntyre said Hall has improved at cornerback after getting some work at receiver in the spring. “He’s much better at corner than he was in the spring at corner,” Mac Intyre said. … MacIntyre said the quarterbacks had another good day. “We’re trying to put them in every situation possible,” he said. … MacIntyre said the opener against CSU is not merely a big game. “It’s a huge game,” he said. Brian Howell, Buffzone.com

Rams show spirit•FORT COLLINS — Colorado State coach Jim McElwain said the team demonstrated good energy in practice, ending a bit of a lull for the team.

McElwain credited linebacker Shaquil Barrett for rallying the squad when the Rams had to move indoors because of lightning, allowing them to keep the pace going.

Overall, McElwain feels there have been fewer lulls, and they haven’t lingered as long as they did last year.

“Definitely,” McElwain said. “How that translates, you don’t know until you start playing. I really credit what these guys did from a conditioning standpoint from ‘Ram U’ of last year all the way through now. It’s been good.

“I think the pace of practice, even some guys who have been out, even (NFL) scouts who have come out and they kind of shake their head and say, ‘Mac, this is a different-looking outfit.’ It’s good to hear it from somebody else, because I was afraid I was just getting used to it.” Careful with Lovett. Wide receiver Charles Lovett was out for the early part of practice but was sent back into the training room to complete his rehab on his leg in the hydrotherapy room. The injury isn’t considered serious. Roster move. Linebacker Kyle Shefferly has left the team. In his place, the Rams added walk-on punter Geoff Clary from Monarch High School.

In terms of the depth chart, McElwain said the staffers haven’t met yet about who they think will play the first week. Mike Brohard, Loveland Reporter-Herald

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